Parts of La Bec Rouge have been demolished to make way for significant changes

By Kyle Stucker

Hampton-North Hampton Patch, March 25, 2013

A few months after suffering significant damage due to a large pipe burst on Christmas Eve, La Bec Rouge has decided to overhaul its longstanding home at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and L Street.

The business, owned by Al Fleury, announced the building's reconstruction on La Bec Rouge's Facebook page. A photo posted Saturday on the page shows the upper stories have been demolished, and the caption provided by the business indicates there's no "definitive time frame" for La Bec Rouge's reopening.

Fleury and La Bec Rouge staff couldn't be reached for comment Monday, although encouraging messages have been posted on Facebook by La Bec Rouge staff.

"We promise to make this reataurant [sic] the best place it can possibly be," wrote La Bec Rouge on its Facebook page. "The new place is gonna rule...the beach needs something fresh."

Portions of the three-story Hampton Beach restaurant and bar were damaged when a pipe burst around 4 a.m. on Christmas Eve. The business had been open this winter for the first time in years as part of an effort to help extend the beach season, and La Bec Rouge staff members originally estimated the pipe burst would set back those efforts for six to 10 weeks.

Many residents have expressed support and well wishes for the repairs on La Bec Rouge's Facebook page